In a recent survey by Maru Public Opinion, nearly half of the Canadians polled, or precisely 48%, expressed a lack of confidence in distinguishing between content generated by artificial intelligence (AI) and that crafted by humans on online and social media platforms.
Moreover, the survey revealed that a significant 71% of respondents harbour doubts regarding the government’s effectiveness in regulating companies generating AI content for online and social media use. This underscores the pervasive concern about the susceptibility to online disinformation.
This issue is particularly pertinent for newcomers to Canada, both recent and prospective, who may be more prone to the allure of AI-generated fake content due to their unfamiliarity with this technology and heightened vulnerability stemming from their eagerness to establish roots in the country.
The recent surge in AI applications across sectors like social media, finance, and healthcare has undeniably streamlined tasks for human workforces. However, this growth has also given rise to malicious actors exploiting AI for disseminating disinformation, executing scams, and victimizing individuals. Notably, scammers utilized voice-cloning AI to impersonate a Saskatchewan woman’s grandson, leading to a CBC-reported fraud of over $7000.
The proliferation of “deepfakes,” AI-generated fake images and content, poses a substantial threat. Sumsub data indicates a significant increase in the proportion of deepfakes in Canada, rising from 0.1% in 2022 to 4.6% in Q1 2023.
Recognizing the government’s sole authority on immigration matters, newcomers are advised to rely on official sources. The Government of Canada provides a dedicated webpage with practical tips for identifying online disinformation and tools for fact-checking.
Practical advice includes using fact-checking tools like MediaSmarts Fact Search, verifying content sources, and cross-referencing information from multiple sources. Identifying fake social media accounts involves scrutinizing profile details, verification status, follower engagement, and checking for typos. Ensuring the legitimacy of online images is recommended by conducting reverse image searches on platforms like Google.
In this era of rapid technological advancement, staying well-informed and adopting vigilant practices are imperative to safeguard oneself and one’s family from the hazards of online disinformation.
Fortunately, organizations like MAK Immigration Consultants stand ready to assist. With expertise in immigration matters, MAK Immigration Consultants can provide valuable insights and guidance to ensure a smooth and informed transition, offering an additional layer of support in the journey to establish roots in Canada.
